Goodbye 2019

Despite falling short of my writing and photo-taking goals, it’s been a very full, eventful year. I’m having a difficult time processing that 2019 is nearly over and that we’re moving on to the next decade very shortly. It’s felt like a good year in many ways and so I wanted to take a little time to relive some of the highlights.

As we started off 2019, the weather was quite good. Being able to ride through the majority of winter without struggles, too many layers, or loads of ice was really a beautiful gift. The cold may have lasted longer into spring than we’d have liked, but the trade-off was worth it.

In 2018, I was disappointed in my ability to maintain consistency throughout the year, so although I didn’t want to become bored with activities, I wanted to ensure that I stayed active in cycling, walking/jogging, and the gym. The early part of the year was much better in 2019 than in the year prior, so I believed that would keep me focused through the months to come.

In early April, we rode our first century of the year. It was the first 100-miler I’d done in about six years and it was our first ride of that distance together on the tandem. The lapping route created was something that we thought would be a bit boring, but actually turned into a fun adventure.

Smiling through the cold days… even though they lasted a little longer than we’d have liked.

In June, we took on our first organized century on the tandem. I was nervous about the ride because it had a long, steep climb involved. Although the long climb was definitely slow for us, it was a great challenge (and the descent on the backside was incredibly fun). Having an opportunity to ride in areas that we don’t usually travel was a fantastic way to see new possibilities as well.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our tandem rides.

In July, we visited a more western spot in our state while attending a friend’s wedding. This allowed us to explore a Rails-to-Trails route from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, Colorado. Although our time was limited and we didn’t get to ride the entire distance, what we were able to experience had us wishing for more of these types of paths to ride throughout the country.

Riding the Rails-to-Trails path from Glenwood Springs to Carbondale, Colorado

A sort of miniature goal I set for myself at the beginning of the year was to get in at least 1,050 minutes (17.5 hours) of moderate intensity movement each week. I arrived at this number because of the suggested time of 150 minutes per week and thought it would be interesting to see if I could instead average 150 minutes each day during each week over the course of the year. I am excited to say that I only missed my goal 4 weeks out of the year, I far surpassed this goal most weeks during the year, and the few weeks I fell short I missed the goal by only a short amount of time.

By early October, I’d reached my mileage goal for cycling and am ending the year about 1,600 miles beyond what I’d hoped to achieve, not including transportation miles, which would bump numbers up higher. Mileage on foot was more than I’d expected as well, and though I admit it’s a pittance compared to dedicated runners, I thought the nearly 1,200 miles was a good number for me, especially in combination with other activities.

Of course, there were still things I’d hoped to complete before year’s end that didn’t quite happen. I’d wanted to do a solo century, which I had planned to ride just prior to Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, this coincided with a large snow storm that dropped about a foot and a half of snow on us, which nixed that plan. We’d also wanted to attempt our first 200km ride, but time just got away from us and as the weather turned and days got shorter we knew it was unlikely to complete the goal in 2019.

I had also wanted to do some sort of race on my own this year, but that didn’t come to fruition. Sam, however, raced in Leadville at the Silver Rush 50 MTB and in Flagstaff for the Barn Burner 104.

There were some bicycle exchanges that took place as well. My road bike and mountain bike were sold off and replaced with a different road bike and a gravel bike. I’ve been happy with the change-outs for both bikes, but having only been able to ride them each for a couple of months, I’m reserving final judgement until I have more time. We also sold the Hubbuhubbuh tandem, deciding that because it was really too big for us, it didn’t make sense to keep it. The family who purchased the tandem is thoroughly enjoying it though from what we’ve heard, which made us happy.

Despite the stupid look on my face (and the dirty mirror), I was feeling pretty strong in this photo. As I said in my Insta post at the time, I’m grateful for my thick legs and arms that give me the power to do the things I enjoy… and, yes, for those who’ve inquired, I did chop a significant chunk of hair off late in summer (it’s been nice to have the relief — at least until it grows out again).

Overall, I’m ending the year feeling much stronger than I did at the start. There’s always room for improvement, but it’s the first year in several that I’ve felt truly capable and strong. I’ve still had to deal with injuries and ailments throughout the year, but it seems as though I’ve been able to find a balance between caring for injuries and being able to maintain/meet goals.

Although I’ve experienced some burnout toward the end of the year, on the whole, I’m happy with the way the year has played out. I haven’t made any official plans for next year quite yet, but I’m sure there will be ideas forming before I know it.

I hope you’ve experienced a fantastic year and have been able to achieve many if not all of your goals. Please feel free to share how your year has gone and what you hope to achieve in 2020. Wishing you the very best in the coming year.

Happy New Year!!!!

All The Leaves Are Brown

I am tired. Exhausted, really. "Springing forward" likely didn't help matters, but I've found myself feeling as though there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. All things in life have suffered. I've volunteered myself and taken on too many projects and have worn thin. It happens to us all at some point, I suppose. Some days, I just want to take a long, long nap, hoping that it will reinvigorate me. I feel spring coming and the panic of all the projects that need to get completed and I get overwhelmed. We've worked through winter to attempt to limit what needs to be accomplished in early to mid spring, but the tasks seem to keep multiplying.

We did manage to get out and ride yesterday for a short bit. Which was nice. This always clears my mind (at least for a short time) and makes me appreciate everything much more. What I realized while riding though is how very brown the world is here this time of year. I see photos of other locations and flowers are blooming, trees in some parts are even starting to turn green, but I know we are still two months out for any of that sort of happening (other than tulips, which I'm convinced are going to pop up any day now). Since we can get snow through mid-May quite commonly, it's not surprising that most of the green waits a bit longer to bud and bloom.

As we rode, I couldn't help but be struck by the immense dullness that covered our surroundings. The fields have all been plowed with nothing growing, no trees have bloomed, grasses are waiting to show signs of life. Even the asphalt on the roads seemed to blend with the empty fields. Everything is just kind of the same shade of drab. I've commented in the past that I don't find winter to be uninteresting as there can often be different shades and tones of tan, yellow, orange and brown, but at the very tail end of winter, I often find this very similar dustiness to take over all color variations, particularly when moisture hasn't been as plentiful as usual. I suppose it gets me that much more anxious for spring to arrive.

Riding this time of year also helps remove some of the panic that can take over knowing that the warm months seem to be short and the list of things to do quite long. We have plans to attempt longer distances on the tandem, races to ride and run, and personal goals to complete before we are sent back into the colder temperatures.

I have post plans for this space as well, if life will just cut me a bit of slack. I will say that our tandem rental adventure was quite the disaster. After a lot of chatting with the shop about our needs and our lack of height, we thought we had a possibility settled, but it turned out that it was still too large a bike for us to test. We were disappointed to not have an opportunity to test out a bike that could be more appropriate for road rides, but we realize (and did prior to the rental as well) that tandems are not made for those of shorter stature -- at least in standard production. So, we may have to jump in with both feet and try a custom purchase in order to truly test our theories. Time will tell on that front.

The "new" single bike for me has not seen much use yet. I have hopes to get out for a longer ride this week, assuming that the weather cooperates (and it appears it will). I'd love to have a better sense of that bike, but thus far it's been comfortable and a good ride given our limited time together thus far.

In the meantime, I am anxiously awaiting blooming flowers and green to have a break from the dreary colors of winter, and am thankful that we are able to get out and ride occasionally. I hope you're enjoying some good rides as we inch closer to spring. Feel free to share what you are up to in the comments as well.

A Short February Catch-Up

The beginning of 2018 has not been horribly kind to me health-wise thus far. I have managed to contract the flu twice in the span of about 30 days, once from Sam bringing home a strain from work, and the second (I suspect) came from helping someone who was sick. It's not been the most conducive means of being able to start the new year riding. The first round knocked me out for about a week and a half, and the second round (that I'm still dealing with) has been quite intense and debilitating too. In between the two bouts though I have been able to find a small amount of time to ride, which has been nice.

Of the approximate 150 miles I've ridden thus far in 2018, about 85 of them were on the tandem and another 25 have been on a trainer. Which means, if my math skills are working in conjunction with my still cloudy head, I only have about 40 miles of solo riding on the roads thus far. Not exactly the stellar start to riding I had hoped for, but a start nonetheless.

Having so many down hours provides time for thinking and daydreaming about future rides though, which has its benefit too. I'm pondering an early season race to see if it will motivate me to push the miles a bit more than I have thus far, Sam and I are likely going to enter a fairly early-season ride on the tandem too, and there are several local rides I'm anxious to get to in the near future.

As far as bicycles go, the cleaning out process has gone fairly well. I'm still debating one more potential sell-off, but the new frame from the UK arrived (mostly) in tact, so that's been exciting to watch become a bike. I was able to even sneak in a couple of short rides on it before this round of illness took hold. I am very excited to get to ride it more and at some point report back here on details. Thus far, I've found it to be smooth rolling and comfortable, and those are my two highest priorities with any bike.

The new bike and me out testing the waters... or testing the ice? 

Several of the parts for this build were scavenged from other bikes that were sold or that no longer needed the parts. I did "splurge" on a new set of wheels (mostly because I had no choice), but didn't end up spending much on those. I'm interested to see how the wheelset does as part of this build too because the cost-to-value ratio seems to be a winner.

Sam and I are scheduled to rent a different tandem soon too. We wanted a real-world test, even if it isn't long term, to see if a better fitting/lighter weight tandem can aid us in our quest for longer distances (How could it not?). A shop in Denver happened to have a workable sized tandem for us to try, so it made sense to ask to rent it for a few days.  Hopefully, we hold up health-wise so that we are able to thoroughly test this loaner out, but the shop has been very kind and told us if weather or other factors arise, we can postpone the rental. Winter can be a challenging time of year to plan rides, but thus far, it looks like we may have found a nearly ideal window. Keep fingers crossed for us.

This little lady separated and cracked pretty badly during firing, but I plan to try again (with some modifications) - hopefully, before the tour.

In non-bike related news, if you are local, I will be participating this year in the East Boulder County Artists Studio Tour at the end of April and hope you'll stop by and say hello. I've primarily focused the last couple of years on clay work, rather than painting, so I'd love to hear what others think about the work I've been doing. It should be fun to open up my work space to visitors as well, as spring will likely be well under way by then. Most of the pieces won't be related to bicycles but they are whimsical. Do stop by, if you can.

I hope winter has been kinder to all of you than it has to me and that you've been able to get out and ride as much as possible. If you have the time, I'd love to hear about any adventures taking place for you, so feel free to share in the comments or send me a note.

May all your days be bright!

It is truly amazing how swiftly a month can pass! I suppose during the holiday season, time seems to pick up a quicker pace anyway - though that was definitely not the case as a child. I can recall my parents talking about time moving faster or slower when I was young, and it made no sense at all. Everything seemed to take an eternity. If we were taking a trip to a location I was excited about or was anxiously awaiting a holiday, that, in fact, seemed to move time in reverse.

*Image found here

Of course, as is almost always the case, as we get older, we begin to realize that much of what our parents stated can often truly become our reality as well. I'm not certain I care for this process of figuring things out, but it is what it is and I suppose there isn't much to be done about it. Just as I cannot seem to stop the wrinkles from coming to my hands and face, time will do what it does, moving at exactly the same standard, even if I perceive or experience it at seemingly different rates.

Although I've never quite identified with trying to keep wrinkles at bay, I understand wanting to maintain a youthful appearance in some manner. To me, wrinkles have always signified wisdom (at least for some individuals), and what could be more wonderful than to have knowledge and experience under my belt? Growing older though also means we are coming ever-closer to the end of our physical existence and that can bring up a whole slew of thoughts and emotions too. Perhaps this is all a part of societal need to maintain a youthful appearance.

Oh, how I have digressed already and I haven't even begun! Apparently, age is not bringing me wisdom, it is simply having me ramble on sooner in conversation (and writing). My original point was that it has been a month since my last post and it seems as though it has been but a few days in my own mind.

This season brings with it interesting emotions. I am always a little anxious as holidays were not the best in my youth (though thankfully much of that has resolved now well into adulthood). I also feel a need to review the year, even if only in some small way, to remind myself what was (and wasn't) accomplished in the prior 365 days. But that, I suppose, in and of itself is arbitrary, as self-evaluation should truly be ongoing, I think. Although not really a resolution sort of person, I do enjoy reflection and possibilities.

As can happen, this space has taken a backseat to other priorities in life. I have accepted that I will have times when I feel the need (and have the time) to write more often than others and as long as I have some sort of desire to share bicycle-related items, I will continue to keep this space alive in some way. I am thankful for applications like Instagram and Twitter, where it is easier to make and read quick posts and share in-the-moment thoughts and experiences with others. I'm still not the best with regular check-ins to those places either, but I find it to be a much easier space to connect with others, so if you ever have the desire to check in without sending an e-mail, it's likely I've put a photo or some sort of communication up in one of those places.

I took a very part time job this year as a school crossing guard. It's provided more examples and perspective of both polite and completely unaware road users. Requiring relative stillness for a small stretch of time (meaning, I don't leave the corner during my shift), I've witnessed so many dangerous activities taking place in a residential area that has multiple schools within a couple of blocks of one another, so I can imagine it's far worse in higher density areas.

Despite my personal awareness that road users are often oblivious to pedestrians and cyclists, I find this little segment of time each day has reinforced and strengthened my belief that something needs to be done about distracted and dangerous drivers. These aren't intoxicated drivers; these are the people drinking coffee in their cars while driving to/from work each day, staring down at phones, speeding through areas at a velocity far exceeding the posted limit, most often highly unaware of their surroundings. I don't know how this gets resolved as more distractions seem to get added to automobiles regularly and few people put themselves in the position of pedestrian or cyclist on an everyday basis. Even injuries and deaths don't seem to rid our world of these tendencies toward distraction and inattention.

This year, a bike share system was added to our community. I tried it out myself and occasionally I see users around town, but it does not appear to be the most used service in our city. I am curious to see how this program evolves and whether or not it will remain a part of our area.

Participating in my first duathlon this year was a big milestone. When I signed up, I didn't believe it would be as difficult as it was, but I also didn't expect to be injured when starting the race. As with most challenging things in life, I learned my lessons and hope to find new ways to test myself in the coming year. Who knows? Maybe another duathlon is in my future.

Sharing some thoughts on my personal frustrations with they cycling industry was therapeutic, but didn't necessarily resolve much. Every year I hold out hope that one day it will no longer be a necessity for me to write about the shortcomings I see as a consumer. I know there are others who are frustrated as well, so I still hold out hope that things can and will change. Sometimes, it just takes enough voices willing to persist.

*Image found here, where you can purchase this card on Etsy.

Perhaps one of the most exciting activities/moments for me was when we received our tandem bicycle. I have become completely enamored of riding together to the point that it's all I seem to want to do (I still ride my own bikes, never fear, but often I find myself daydreaming about the tandem -- hello, infatuation!). The newness and excitement will no doubt wear at some point, but in the meantime, I am enjoying the together time and seeing what we are capable of accomplishing as a team.

On one hand, it's difficult to believe that an entire year has almost passed, but in the next breath I would say that much has also taken place in that same span of time. We have been presented with challenges both small and large, but these are the things that keep us interested in life and moving towards personal and societal betterment.

I am never quite able to predict what the coming year has in store, but I always look forward to it. I am grateful for those who read and comment here, whether or not we share the same opinions on a matter. Having some sort of connection with people just a few miles away, or across several hundreds or thousands of miles is truly amazing, and I do not for one moment take for granted our ability to have a small amount of space in each other's lives.

My wish for all who read here is that you have experienced a year full of all the best life has to offer, that you are able to spend the holiday season with those you love, and that the new year brings peace (though never at the expense of sacrificing morality or beliefs), success in whatever areas you choose to pursue, and of course, the most fantastic rides on a bicycle.

Happy Holidays and tailwinds to all, and a wish for a 2018 full of adventure!

Cold Hands, Slipping Feet: The Trials of Wintertime Outdoors

After fourteen winters in Colorado, with most of those including a liberal amount of time spent outdoors, one might make the assumption that I have mastered winter dressing for time in the cold, but those who would make such a leap would not necessarily be correct. While I have managed to acquire enough wool layers (socks, base layers, heavier top layers) and appropriate coats and jackets over the years there are still two items that vex me more than any other winter garments: gloves and shoes/boots.

Let it be known that I tend to have naturally cold hands even when in heated, indoor environments. I am currently seated in a fairly warm room as I type, and my hands are quite cold. Additionally, my feet seem to be on the same system and I find that even indoors (unless in the heat of summer) I prefer to keep warm, wool socks on my feet, even if I am not wearing shoes to keep my whole body from turning cold.

I find that when my feet and/or hands are cold, my whole body seems to become chilled, and I've also found that sometimes I am able to counteract the coldness in my hands and feet if I work to heat up my body. For example, if I do a round of jumping jacks, squats, or other movement my body tends to heat up and this generally spreads the heat to my hands and feet.  When it comes to going outdoors in the cold though, it isn't always possible to heat up the body prior to departure in such a manner. Which is where gloves come in to hopefully help stave off cold.

Ah, gloves. I think I have experimented with just about every brand or type at one point or another, but there always seems to be a quality that isn't well suited for my needs. If gloves don't provide any wind protection, on very cold days, I might just as well not don gloves at all (or at least that is how my hands feel). Whether physically windy outside isn't the point. Any one who rides a bicycle in colder weather understands that the wind created through movement is more often than not enough to freeze hands on its own.

If a glove isn't water resistant (or proof) the instant they get wet, hands tend to go numb too in freezing or even close-to-freezing temperatures. Some gloves that are wind and water proof don't allow the hands to breathe causing hands to sweat and this can also cause freezing, numb hands.

Over the years and depending on how cold the day is, I have started to layer my hands as I would my body, thinking that it makes sense to have more than one layer of protection. The gloves used are usually liner-type gloves layered over each other, starting with a soft, next-to-skin option and adding as needed. While this does work on cold, dry days for the most part, it does little to help in rain or snow. Additionally, if I wear too many layers (which can sometimes be just two pair of gloves), my hands can begin to sweat causing numbness and freezing anyway, regardless of the thickness, quality, or number of gloves worn.

Through all of the experiments over the last several years, I have had varying success with a couple of options. First, and I cannot stress this enough, if my hands are cold prior to putting on gloves, I find it far more challenging to get them warm while out riding, walking or being outdoors. So, I have learned to warm my hands up before I even attempt to put on a glove. This may mean rubbing them together in a warm area prior to heading outside or even wearing gloves in an indoor area to heat up my hands before I put on gloves for outdoor trips. I have also used hand warmers (and some people even make their own - though I've honestly never tried it).

Ibex Conductive Glove/Liner
These are pretty thin, but do enough just to keep the chill out. If they get wet in freezing temperatures, they are pretty much useless.

For a first layer, I like Ibex's Conductive Glove Liner, but there are options from many manufacturers. Ibex had another version of this glove that I've had in the past and I liked them as well (for the life of me I cannot remember the model name, and I'm not sure that they make these any longer, regardless). Be forewarned though, the Ibex model tends to fall apart fairly quickly. I've only been able to get single season use out of any of them without repairs so I tend to purchase when they're on sale. One of the qualities I appreciate about these liners though is that they are 100% wool.

I've also used Icebreaker models (these are generally 90-96% wool). There are several options available from lighter to heavier weight from this manufacturer, so if you prefer a thicker liner, there are options. SmartWool also makes a liner, though their option is only 46% wool. A bit disappointing when looking for a wool liner, but I have a pair of these as well and they work too in some situations. There are models from Hestra and Minus33 and others as well. It's just a matter of finding one that is appropriate for individual needs.

I like the Ibex liner because I can keep it on if I need to stop and use my cell phone and it works perfectly. It's also very lightweight, so if it's mildly cold and it's dry, sometimes I can get away with just using this glove alone. The fit is good for dexterity, and while I wish Ibex would return to manufacturing an extra small size, the small size is workable (my glove size is a women's 7, which often tend to be slightly large, but I have long palms and long thumbs making fit sometimes a challenge). There is just a bit of extra fabric at the end of my fingers, but until I find the perfect liner, these are close enough to work for my purposes.

Burton snowboard liners. I use these sometimes on top of the Ibex liners, but they provide no real protection from wet, so I only use these as a second layer in dry conditions and when it's not super cold. I also use these as a single layer at times. They are slightly warmer than the wool liners, but not thick enough for colder conditions.

Second layers tend to be a bit more challenging for me than the first, and again, depending on the weather and the temperature, this option can change and vary quite a bit. If the conditions are dry, it may mean I simply put on another liner. I have used double layers of wool, I've mixed wool with liners such as a Burton snowboard liner, I've chosen a Gore tex Windstopper glove for some wind relief, but whatever option is chosen, the temperature and conditions are the deciding factor.

I've had many of these types of gloves over the years, but just about any windproof or Gore Tex glove seems to work well with a wool liner beneath it in conditions down to about 30F/-1C, depending on conditions. This particular pair is supposed to aid in keeping warmth in the palm. I'm not sure it really works all that well in reality, but as a wind resistant layer, it works nicely.

When conditions are colder an Outdoor Research glove or an older version of these Marmot Randonnee gloves (mine worked great except in the very coldest conditions until one of the dogs got a hold and damaged them) have worked well as a second layer. This past year, I picked up a pair of 45NRTH Sturmfist 5 gloves on sale and off-season, and they have become my favorite second layer (and sometimes only layer), cold weather glove of choice. I also ordered the Sturmfist 4, but couldn't seem to get the interior liner to cooperate and had to send them back. I suspect these might work a bit better though, even in colder conditions, if one received a pair that were undamaged.

I love these Marmot Randonnee gloves. I bought them on a clearance table several years ago and they work well - or did, until a puppy got to them. I still use them occasionally, but they are in need of replacement. These keep my hands quite warm in all but the very coldest weather, particularly if I add an extra wool liner.

With a lightweight wool liner and the Sturmfist 5 gloves (which have their own sewn-in liner), I have ridden several times in temperatures around 5F/-15C. Temperatures can get much lower locally at times, but I've not had the opportunity to test this combination thoroughly enough to know whether it will work functionally in lower temperatures. Truthfully, I try not to ride in conditions much lower than the stated temperature above, but it does happen on occasion. In reality, if temperatures are lower, I think much hardier options are likely the best choice. Lobster claw type gloves, much heavier snowboard gloves, or something along these lines is likely the best choice.

The 45NRTH Sturmfist gloves are the latest attempt to stay warm. They aren't super bulky, but they do seem to work fairly well. The lowest temperature I've ridden with these was -15F/-26C. I didn't ride very far (about 3 miles), so it was difficult to know how well they'd work at higher speeds/longer stretches of time. My suspicion is that the 4-finger version would work nicely as well (perhaps even better). 

Another option is to look into pogies/bar mitts. These can be a costly option in some cases, and I have not had an opportunity to test them enough to know which brands are more functional/effective. I will say that Sam picked up a couple pair of ATV bar mitts online for a very low price, but we have not yet had the opportunity to test these out either. I think that these along with wearing a good pair of gloves, could be an outstanding option for very cold weather rides as well.

The fit of gloves is often a major hassle itself, and how important it is to move digits independently is a factor each individual must determine him/herself. Ideally, mitten-style makes the most sense in my mind because fingers are kept together and work together to keep heated, but it is a highly impractical style when requiring at least some dexterity. Lobster claw gloves would probably be the next option, followed by a 5-finger glove style. Bar mitts potentially eliminate dexterity issues, but some find them to present their own dangers (such as having hands "trapped" inside in emergency situations).

For some reason, I have not struggled as extensively with keeping feet warm during cold weather rides. Which is not to say that it hasn't or doesn't happen, but simply that for me, my hands seem to be the more challenging body part to keep comfortable in winter conditions (assuming, of course, that my feet don't end up wet). If I wear thick wool socks - or even two pair - and shoes that don't allow moisture in, I seem to be okay for the most part when it comes to keeping warm. Wind blockers over shoes are also helpful, but I don't recall the last time I had need for these as an addition to footwear.

My biggest obstacle in regard to feet and winter riding is slipping off pedals. Because I use platform pedals, slick surface area is often the biggest challenge. All of my platforms have pins to allow for greater grip; however, when there is snow or ice accumulation on shoes, I find the risk of sliding right off the pedal much higher. It doesn't help matters that I've yet to find a shoe or boot that is more slip resistant.

The best to-date option has been to use hiking shoes that are waterproof, but those that work best for my feet still don't seem to provide much traction on slick surfaces, causing me to continue to search for the right set up. Additionally, in deeper snow, I find that my socks end up wet, which is followed by very cold/frozen feet.

As is apparent, I have not yet found the right solution for me... but the hunt continues!

I think the biggest point I would make in regard to the items I use is that I am not riding at great speed in the winter months. I think increased speed can definitely have an affect on how comfortable a person is in cold weather. My maximum tends to hover around 12-13mph/19-21kph in the winter months as I tend to take my time. More often than not, my speed is somewhere around 8-10mph/12-16kph, or even slower, so I understand that those who maintain higher speeds in very cold conditions may have entirely different experiences.

My experience has also been that if I keep the core of my body warm, I tend to have better success with gloves and footwear in regard to warmth. The challenging piece is finding the right combinations for particular scenarios, and I think it can change from day to day quite easily, making what seems perfect one day a complete disaster on another trip.

I would love to hear about items or techniques that have worked for you while riding in cold weather and/or snowy/rainy conditions in the winter. Do you have layering techniques, or do you prefer a specific brand/product? Do you choose to forego cold weather rides entirely? If you have shoe/boot suggestions for snowy/icy weather, those would be appreciated as well.

A Lovely Saddle

On a recent transportation ride on a cold December morning, I was attempting to remove my bicycle from its locked position. I tend to forget that cable locks aren't the greatest invention when temperatures drop well below the freezing point (though I am grateful to live in a fairly safe-for-locking-up-bikes community that allows me to often use a cable rather than a heftier option).

As I was fiddling and fussing, I was interrupted by a woman passing by.

"You're a brave soul to be out on a bicycle in this weather," she began.

I couldn't help but look up to the sky with the bright shining sun and cloud-free skies. Yes, it was cold (very cold, actually), but it was a beautifully bright day. I resisted the urge to inform her that there was little I would count as brave about my transportation choice, and instead replied with a smile, "Well, it's much warmer now than when I left home!" Which was the truth as it had warmed more than 15 degrees since my departure.

The woman continued, "That's such a lovely saddle you have," as she bent toward the bicycle and gently caressed the leather as if it was made of delicate porcelain. "Really, it's quite beautiful," she stated again, slowly, as she walked to the front door of the building, still staring, as if in a trance, at my bike.

It sounds creepier in the re-telling than it was in the moment. It was one of those quick instances in life that I would normally pass over without giving it much thought, but on my ride home all I could think about was the woman's comment regarding the looks of the bicycle saddle.

In truth, I don't think about the looks of my saddles much these days, but rather just have a go-to option in mind. That wasn't always the case and initially when I first started using Brooks saddles, there was definitely a part of the decision that was based on looks. Today, when first building a bicycle, I may think about color choice (if I have to purchase a new saddle, rather than using one already owned), but that is about the extent of my thought on such matters. I have found a model that seems to work well for me on just about any bike, so I don't have to put thought into what will be appropriate when another build arises.

This particular saddle photographed right after mounting for the first time. I was enraptured by the light color of this Brooks early on.

Perhaps there was a time when I obsessed over the looks of a saddle, or, for instance, when I first came across etched or carved leather saddles that I may have thought briefly about spending more on such an item simply because it was pretty, but over the years, I have learned that looks are not everything and if a saddle is uncomfortable, it can and most likely will make my riding experience - short or long - absolutely miserable!

Additionally, it took some time to figure out what type of saddle worked for me. I tried many synthetic options initially, but could never quite find comfort. Even different models of leather weren't to my liking. It wasn't so much that I chose a leather saddle because of its good-looks-factor (though, I do agree that I prefer the leather look over a plastic or rubberized choice), but rather that it just worked for my comfort.

When I arrived home from my ride on this day, I dismounted and studied the saddle, tilting and twisting my head from side to side like a puppy just hearing a new, high-pitched sound for the first time. The saddle had definitely aged since purchasing it more than five years prior. It has seen time on too many bikes as well, and I could easily see that it had changed quite a bit over the years. Though no one else would likely make this sort of assessment. There are some splotches from darker colored clothing, blemishes that have become more pronounced, and goodness knows I'm not great about re-applying proofide to the poor thing. I simply use - and unfortunately, sometimes abuse - this component.

As is true of many things in life, beauty is in the eye of the beholder though. Time has caused me to take for granted the saddle that allows me to ride in comfort and I no longer look at it seeing it as something pretty to look at, but rather as a functional piece that permits me longer stints on my bike in greater comfort. After all, it does have a purpose. But, somewhere along the line, I lost the desire to look at this item as pretty, and instead view it as practical.

The same saddle today has achieved a used-patina, but I can see (when I pay attention) that it is still lovely.

Still, having someone admire the saddle purely based on its looks caused me to take notice of it as I had once upon a time, through the eyes of someone judging purely on aesthetics and not at all on its functionality. There could be no denying that the leather has aged, but even that has brought about its own beauty. It's always a fantastic moment when the two worlds can collide though, and form and function are both well suited to the rider.

I took these words, this moment in time to appreciate not only the saddle, but the entire bicycle and the others in the fold as well. It's far too easy to take a bicycle for granted and I can often forget that the bicycle is not only functional, but something delightful to behold as well.

Faux Spring

It's 71 (F) degrees outside! I couldn't help but be giddy as I had glanced at the weather briefly and decided to announce this finding to no one. It's February, and it's in the 70s. Crazy. And that it is: crazy. February is typically our second snowiest and often one of the coldest months of the year, and yet it's pretty much been sunshine and lollipops.

I'm trying not to get too excited about it because I know our fickle weather patterns and am well aware that we are in for less-than-ideal conditions as winter moves into spring. In fact, March is usually the snowiest month, so I have no delusions that winter is over for us locally. However, it has been a welcomed break from the cold, I must say.

With the warmer temperatures, those constantly-in-shade winter spots are nearly all melted, making it a lot easier to get around on two wheels again. Sam and I even traveled by bike in the dark (something I generally avoid when it's cold and there's potential for unseen ice) to a destination a few nights ago. I couldn't help but think it felt more like summer was on its way than the reality that we still sit in the midst of our snowy and cold season.

I've even paid more attention to structures and their shadows - and where those shadows are in relation to other objects. It's interesting to watch as we rotate our way back to spring and summer, but ultimately I understand that the position of the sun is attempting to lull me into a false sense of spring as well.

No matter. I'm enjoying riding to destinations and enjoying the sun and warmth for as long as possible. I have found myself appreciating the ability to pedal with ease and less mental (and sometimes physical) stress and strain too. I am grateful for the winter break. Even if it isn't leading directly into springtime weather, I know we're heading in the right direction.

Riding Through Winter (or Not)

We here in the E.V.L. household have already grown tired of snow. I realize we are undoubtedly in for more of it, and that compared to other parts of the US, we've had a snow-fortunate season, but I think locally we have become spoiled by our reality that generally the snow falls and then melts relatively quickly (at least on the north sides of roads that see sun more regularly).

Large snow piles abound this time of year... more frequently than I'd like to see in bike lanes too.

It is the time of year when we begin to wonder if we need fat bikes (we do not) and studded tires (we may) and sometimes spiral into dizzying thoughts believing that snow will be a part of our lives forever. At times, it is also the point in a year when we begin looking to warmer, drier states, wondering if we don't belong somewhere else. As Sam has stated many times over, "I don't know if I can imagine growing old with this year after year."

But, many people do just that, so I think we need to put on our big kid pants and figure out ways to survive and hopefully actually enjoy what is a decent chunk of the year.

To date, the way I get through winter is generally figuring out subsections of the cold season and splitting it up in my mind to make it to spring. For example, I tell myself that if we make it to January, it will be the new year and then it is almost February, which means spring is just around the corner.

The problem is, this doesn't always work. We have years when snow comes in early October and years that it doesn't leave until mid-May (It has snowed on Mother's Day, for instance). For the math challenged (like myself) that means we have 7-8 months of potential snow and more importantly for my purposes, ice to contend with on the roads.

Look at that icy sheet forming on the road... if only snow would just immediately melt and dry. 

When I finally wrap my head around the fact that I will have to deal with icy roads, I start to realize just how cold it is outside. After several years of experimentation with clothing, I have finally figured out appropriate layers to wear during the cold. Wool is my friend, while cotton (if it gets wet) is not. some man-made materials can work, but finding the right options seems to challenge me a bit more. More than anything, finding the right weight of layers can be challenging and varies depending on my own exertion and the temperature outside. I came to the conclusion long ago however that layers are the best way to go.

There's also a part of me that doesn't want to have the corrosion that comes from riding through snow on a bike that isn't immediately cleaned up upon return. Late in every year I always ponder the idea of picking up a very inexpensive mountain or wider-tire-capable bike on Craigslist, eBay or other related site just to beat up through the winter-like months, but have yet to actually do so. I'd prefer either a single speed or internally geared option as my trials with a derailleur in snow have been challenging - and disc brakes would be my preference as well. As someone who is rather klutzy, giving myself any added boost in confidence is beneficial when the elements are against me and my natural tendency to trip, slip, or fall.

Still, the hardest hurdle to overcome is a mental one.

It isn't that I don't or haven't ridden in the snow or the cold, so I can't use it as an excuse. However, finding the will to want to go out initially into 5F/-15C degree or colder weather is a bit more challenging. It's cold, and it doesn't matter how many layers I have on, there is some part of me still exposed to the briskness. Once I get moving, I do get a groove and realize it isn't bad at all, and generally temperatures do warm a bit, but that initial jump to force myself out the door seems to be the biggest obstacle.

Some people I know use early spring cycling events to motivate them to continue to ride through the winter, some choose only to ride indoors on a trainer and walk to destinations rather than ride, and still others find the challenge of getting out at all in the cold intolerable and choose simply to train or commute only when the seasons or intermittent days in winter are warmer. While I understand the reasons behind all the choices, I don't personally like the idea of giving up riding for several months of the year.

All in all, I really do think that it's entirely possible to keep riding through the snowy seasons, but I'd like to find a way to do so more frequently.

How do you get through winter months? Do you enjoy them and the challenges that can be presented, or have you found a way to mentally appreciate what the cold brings? Do you change bikes through winter or continue to ride the same bike? What sort of tips would you offer to others that have worked for you to keep riding when the weather isn't necessarily as cooperative as a person on a bike might prefer?

A Quick Break

Hi!

Perhaps it's just me, but it seems as though I've been away for such a long time. I am hopeful that things will be calming down in the near future (let's say a couple of weeks-ish) and I'll have somewhat of a more regular appearance here. For now though, I just wanted to thank everyone for your kind words with the loss of our little guy and for the thoughts on continuing to write here. In a strange way, the house move and renovations have made me miss blogging (and even more importantly, riding) more than ever.

This is what life looks like these days. Walls being removed, lots of dust, and related fun.

My body is strained and hurts like it never has. I wake myself up in the night unable to roll over without extreme concentration... and inevitably a loud moan seems to be a necessary companion to these normally very simple movements. Most days, I can barely stand without feeling as though my body is going to collapse beneath me. I wake in the morning to swollen hands and the thoughts of all that still needs to be done.

In short, I feel broken. Renovations are no joke! I suppose this is often why people pay others to do the work. But, the good news is that we have made enough progress that we have been able to move into the new place. Yay! I am not a person who does well living out of boxes, so with the exception of one of the rooms that we can't quite use yet, things are pretty well unpacked. The tough part with moving into a project is that having all of our stuff here makes moving around to do work a little more awkward.

We have had a couple of absolutely gorgeous days here in Colorado, and I haven't been able to enjoy them, unfortunately. Such a crime! Reaching the 70s F this time of year is simply unheard of, and I am kind of kicking myself for not allowing a bit of a break to enjoy such a treat, but I know there will be time for riding and that getting home set up is important to us so that we know we have a functional and comfortable base.

This morning, I looked longingly at the Hillborne and thought, "If only..." Then the new Rodriguez was eyeballing me too. It wasn't easy to walk by and fetch the tool I actually needed. I realized also in that quick moment that the city bike has a flat tire... something that normally would be immediately addressed, but for now will have to sit and wait its turn.

So, since I haven't been able to get out at all and enjoy riding a bike, I'm hoping some of you might be willing to share a story about a recent ride for you. Anything exciting going on in your area? Upcoming bike projects, rides, etc? I need a fix until I can get back out on two wheels. Hope you're all doing well and looking forward to getting back to posting soon.

Half Way through a 30-day Cycling Challenge

As of today, I am more than half way through my January cycling challenge. If only I were more than half way (or even half way) through the mileage I was supposed to have covered by this time! I got off to a rough start with weather (mostly the ice that wouldn't melt after snow and some super-cold temperatures), but I'm hoping that the rest of the month will be kind to me and even if I have to endure cold weather, I'm hoping to not have to deal with ice on the roads. I've completed just under 75 miles (or about 120 km) to this very moment, so I have been riding, but just not nearly as much as I had hoped. It comes out to about 5 miles a day if I average it all out, so I definitely need to make up some distance - and soon. Honestly though, I am okay with whatever happens; even if I don't quite hit the half way mark before the end of the month.

Stopped for a moment to check out our destroyed trail system (if you look closely, you can see remnants of the trail in pieces next to the water). The estimated time for repair is somewhere in the vicinity of 1-2 years, unfortunately.

Despite my lack of mileage, I have to say I've enjoyed the challenge. Particularly, I find it enjoyable because I know that my "challenge" is to see if I can do the mileage without making any of the rides training rides. Knowing that the miles need to come specifically from errands or joy rides makes the goal that much sweeter. I have to admit though, it's been a bit strange to always have my GPS device on the bike because, at least generally speaking, I tend not to clock every bike ride I go on throughout the day or week. I truly want to see what's possible though in the midst of winter, the cold, and the iffy street conditions when a person is just going about life and not looking to train for an event.

It's also nice to be able to stop and take in a view when I choose. So often I find that I am very purposeful in my cycling and I am focused on the end result, rather than just enjoying the ride. I think this challenge is allowing me to take a step back and remember what I have loved about riding a bike - which has absolutely nothing to do with how fast I can go, how far I can travel, or how many hills I can (or can't) climb. Plus, call me crazy, but I think cars are nicer to me when I'm riding a bike with a basket.

How is winter cycling where you live? Have you stayed indoors, or ventured out into the elements?

One Week Down...

The first week of my non-training rides hasn't gone very well. Right after I signed up for the Strava challenge, we had a huge shift in weather. Not only were we blessed with several inches of snow, but the temperatures were struggling for several days to rise just above zero. Generally, after we have a big snowfall, the sun follows and, even if it stays cold, having the sunlight seems to quickly melt most of the snow on the ground. That hasn't exactly happened with this round. In addition, I fell ill with a wretched stomach flu which has left me house-bound for a few days. The combination hasn't made for the most ideal situation in regard to getting in January saddle time.

As of this morning, it doesn't look too bad as far as depth, but the snow's still not melting as quickly as I'd prefer.

I miss being outside! I miss doing things that aren't in the confines of a small house. I am so in awe of folks who manage to get in their time, despite the frigid temperatures, ice on the ground, and so on.
My total mileage thus far is a mere 47 km (that's not even 30 miles), which isn't much, considering I have just over three weeks left of the challenge. I'm trying to cut myself a bit of slack, knowing that I haven't been able to sit up for more than a few minutes, let alone actually get out on a bicycle, but it's not easy when I desperately want to be active.

Despite the setbacks, I have enjoyed the time I have found myself riding this month. I have been pleased to find myself lost in thought, as I ramble toward my destination on two wheels. I am reminded that motorists seem (at least on the whole) to be a bit more tolerant and patient with me on a bike this time of year, and sadly, cyclists seem to be a bit more grumpy (unfortunately) - or at least those I seem to encounter. It has been cold, but I am slowly learning to perfect the layers so that I don't need to constantly remove pieces, or find myself freezing because I wasn't prepared. Now, if I can just get through this flu, I think I'll be ready to get back to it! If you set a goal or challenge for early 2014, how are things going for you?

Endless Velo Love and a Happy New Year to All!

Christmas has come and gone, and I have apparently taken the last few weeks to completely step away from this space... and frankly, not just here, but almost any form of social media or blog that I'd normally be waiting to read has fallen off the map. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as everyone needs time to regroup, but that isn't really what I've been doing. I find this time of year to be quite reflective (as it is for many), and I find myself evaluating what has taken place and where I want to go moving forward. Often times this assessment period takes place on a subconscious level (I've never been big on the standard New Year's resolutions). Perhaps on some level I've been regrouping, but deep down I know I've found myself wallowing in a bit of depression (which can be a common experience this time of year).

I've expressed here in the past that when I was a teen, I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to travel and document my experiences on the road - wherever the road took me. I was quite quickly told by family that I didn't have the life experience it would take to be a successful writer, and so I found myself looking at more standard careers. I no longer pursued English or writing classes with the same zealous desire I had prior (which explains my often iffy grammar and punctuation, I know). If I couldn't write, it meant that I'd have to figure out what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I found myself drawn to the arts, but didn't think that I had any of the seemingly magical and mysterious talent for it, and after hearing from particular family members that yet again this was not something that would make a suitable career, I turned my focus elsewhere.

*Image found here

Ultimately, I ended up going through several different jobs (and careers) because I was never truly fulfilled by what I was doing. I worked hard no matter what job I had (even as a teenager), but I always believed that what I do for a living reflects who I am. My jobs have always been all-encompassing and no matter what I was doing I found myself drawn to aspects of the positions that allowed me to be with people, be creative, and/or to write. It's actually surprising within the vast array of jobs I've held how often I was able to work within these areas. People were often draining to my reserves, but I still enjoyed being able to help them in whatever form that took in a particular occupation.

Trying to figure out who I am (and therefore what I should be doing career-wise) has always led me down the path of personality examination. It has come in the form of books, tests, long talks with those who know me well (and sometimes not so well). I can get so wrapped up in discovery that I lose track of everything else taking place around me. In other words, I become entirely self-absorbed - and, I would like to point out, precisely the exact opposite of being helpful to other people.

*Image found here

Deep down, I suppose I really do have an odd personality. On the surface (which is how most people I'm acquainted with know me), I have no doubt that I can sometimes seem cold or uncaring. I may seem aloof or perhaps even hardened. I tend not to share a lot of information about myself, and even though to others I seem to be providing a lot of details as I (sometimes overly enthusiastically) appear to be sharing quite a bit, I am actually adept (without really trying) at saving the important information for the few I hold dear or who I trust. I often have sarcastic thoughts (which more often than not leave the confines of my brain and become released forever into the universe, as I seem to frequently find myself devoid of a proper vocal filter - later regretting and over-thinking what came out of my mouth). I try to play things off as though I'm tough and can take whatever comes at me, but in reality I am affected (often both physically and emotionally) by not only my own erratic emotions, but by those feelings and experiences of folks around me as well. To this day, it is extremely difficult for me to watch someone else cry and not begin crying myself - even when I have little to no attachment to the person or the situation. I guess it could be said that I feel my way through life, rather than always thinking (though I do a lot of thinking and analyzing as well). I believe the appearance of the "hard" exterior comes from knowing that I wear my heart on my sleeve and that I am often deeply affected by the emotions or situations others experience. If I have the appearance of not caring though, people will go about their business and not attempt to interact with me. Sometimes, there just has to be a barrier of protection, especially for someone who seems to go through such an array of emotions on a regular basis.

This is why it never ceases to amaze me when a complete stranger walks up to me and starts to speak (Apparently, my hardened shell isn't as impenetrable as I believe). It happens more often than I would expect, and it always catches me off guard. It also seems to happen just about the time I need to be reminded that I am not the faux-exterior I most often show to the world. These random strangers appear as - for lack of a better term - little guardian angels, offering up words that they couldn't possibly know affect me as deeply as they do.  These unknowns always have the same type of message though. They are quick and exact (as if they know they won't have long to interact with me), and the words are always in regard to a light or an aura that radiates from me. Then, they return to their business as quickly as they appeared, and I am left to wonder why a random individual would approach me to say such a thing.


Just when I think I am devolving into the shell I have created for the world, I am reminded that I cannot hide who I am. Whatever religious (or not) beliefs you may hold, I believe there is an energy that binds us together - that we are, in all reality, that energy - and we cannot escape the tie that links us all as beings on this planet. I think there are some individuals who are more attune to this energy and that for some it takes on a visual form; and thus, I have run-ins with strangers who relay to me a much needed message when I seem to be sinking into my very own personal abyss. I am not a black hole. I am not evil or a bitch (okay, sometimes I am - but, really, don't we all have these moments?) In reality, this is not the time of year to be living in depression because the truth is I am living the life I am supposed to live (even when I make mistakes or bad choices along the way).

*Image found here

In my typical meandering manner, I am attempting to share that I am not ready to give up on this blog (even if I seem to disappear for a time - or even a more extended time). This is my truth space. This is where I get to be me and say whatever comes to mind. Sure, I may get backlash for it (depending on the topic), but it's my space to share thoughts in written form. Not everything appeals to everyone, and sometimes the content is a bit on the light side, but sometimes frivolity is just what is needed. Sometimes the subject is heavy and hard to talk about, but those are important to me as well. Frankly, if I'm going with my theory about us all being the energy of this world, if I'm feeling as though light-heartedness or even a serious talk is needed, perhaps someone else is feeling that as well. I enjoy the conversations I have with people who share similar (or sometimes not-at-all-alike) philosophies, thoughts, values, etc.  I like to chat about others' experiences, and even like to hear from those who think I am way off base because I often find myself struggling, internally battling out two (or more) sides to a problem, question, etc. It's not always easy to pick a side for me (for many reasons). I have strong opinions about certain topics, but I am always willing to listen to someone else's thoughts (even if they sometimes make no sense to me at all).  

*Image found here

I want to have a more regular schedule that doesn't seem so haphazard all the time (hell, I want that in my everyday life, but it ain't happenin'), so I can't promise that is going to take place. The reality is that there is so much going on in life that the blog sometimes has to take a back seat. There simply aren't enough hours in the day (and I am very easily distracted, which doesn't help matters). Rather than making a resolution to write more here, I am just going to say that I will always do my best to be who I am. Sometimes that's cranky, bitchy, slacking off, annoying G.E., and sometimes that is laughing-hysterically-about-nothing, ready-for-fun, sharing a strange anecdote G.E. I am who I am, and while I'm willing to work on things that I know need to evolve, I don't want to lose the core of who I am in the process.

*Image found here

To all of you who read here regularly (or even not so regularly), I appreciate you very much. I feel very fortunate to have a means to communicate with people near and far, and many of you have helped me with my own questions or conundrums along the way. It's not always an easy task to write on a regular basis, but I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with others (and to have those thoughts reciprocated as well). So, a big thanks to all, as well as a very big wish to you and yours for a happy, prosperous, fabulous, biking new year. May it be a wonderful year full of positive change. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

From the E.V.L. household to yours, wishing you a holiday (and season) full of love, joy, warmth, and all the bicycle fun you can handle. 

A very Merry Christmas to all!

Frosty Frolicking Fix

Sometimes I forget what it was like to live in a neighborhood that almost exclusively required me to use a car. I still rode my bike pretty frequently, but it was a chore to get most places. Even though we lived just outside city limits, I had to travel a busy highway to get into town (or anywhere). Most places we needed to go were at least 8-10 miles one way. It hardly makes for a pleasant bike ride when the time is spent praying I wouldn't be hit by a texting or otherwise distracted motorist. To provide a comparison, our old neighborhood had a "walk score" of 9. I'm surprised that the number was even that high to be honest, as the only places within walking distance were gas stations, a bank, and a few fast food establishments. Not to mention that one would have to walk down the same highway that I rode to get to any of these locations.

*Image from Walk Score

Our current neighborhood has a score of 72. Quite a difference from what we knew for so many years. Considering the city average has a score of 35, I feel quite fortunate to be where we are now. It's not equal to that of a large, condensed metropolis, but I think it's a nice combination to allow for ease of use in regard to both city and rural access.

Since we've been experiencing sub-zero temperatures in this region (which isn't what I expect for early-ish December, despite what the Colorado tourism board would have people believe), I have actually been walking many places (I will bike too, but I avoid doing so during peak traveling hours until local motorists get used to the icy conditions again).  After one of my first round attempts failed miserably and I ended up with painfully frozen fingers and toes, I decided that layers are my friend. It starts with a wool tank top, then a wool t-shirt, followed by a long-sleeved version of a lighter weight wool, then a heavier, mid-weight wool base layer, and a hooded layer and/or coat on top (depending). Sometimes, this is way over kill, but I think I have a system now based on levels of freezing in which I remove certain layers from the combination. I also wear a balaclava, a beanie, and the hood to my coat or other layer. For feet, I have either one extremely thick wool pair of socks on, or two lighter weight versions with lined, snow-type boots. My hands get snowboard/liner gloves, followed by very heavy weight snow mittens. For some reason, my legs tend to do better, even in negative temperatures, so one mid-weight wool base layer under whatever I'm donning for the day (skirt, jeans, etc) seems to do the trick. I will say, I must look ridiculous...but, I'm nice and toasty warm!

As much as I always dread the winter season and its cold temperatures (this year already seems to be particularly frigid), I've actually enjoyed being out in the elements. Maybe I'm adapting to my surroundings, or I've finally figured out (after more than a decade of being here) how to dress properly? Hard to say, but I'm hoping that the layering system will help keep me outside, even through the frosty weeks and months ahead. Do you have any winter-weather tricks that work particularly well for keeping you warm on the coldest days?

An Attempt at NAHBS 2013

Yesterday, Sam and I took a break from work on the Beetle. We had high hopes of making it to the North American Handmade Bicycle Show that was taking place in Denver this past weekend. I knew we wouldn't likely make it because of our attempts to get this project completed, but when we found out a blizzard was hitting late Saturday night and into Sunday, we thought perhaps it was best to take the day off. The storm was supposed to be worse towards his dad's place (where the car is currently stored), so the idea of attempting to get through the weather didn't sound appealing, nor necessary.

Image from here

"Yippee! Now we can go to the NAHBS in Denver," I said to Sam as he nodded along. We woke early Sunday morning and looked out the window. Snow was definitely falling, and quite a bit had already come down, accumulating about 6 inches at that point, but we figured we could make it safely to Denver. After watching some weather updates on the news, we were told that snow fall was heaviest right in the heart of Downtown Denver (which is precisely where we would be headed). Ugh.

Not knowing if it was the best idea, we headed out to brave the storm. We figured if we went slow enough, things would be fine. By the time we reached the edge of town, we were sliding all over the road, and the thought of 25-30 more miles of that (at even higher speeds) was not what I had in mind for a Sunday morning. There was really no reason to attempt to get through it, other than our excited desires to see the show. The excitement was pretty great, but not enough to put ourselves potentially in danger.

Unfortunately, this means I have no first hand news to share about the show because we decided not to continue on; however, there are some fun photos here from one of our friends who made it out earlier over the weekend, so we're living vicariously through him. Did anyone else make it to this show over the weekend? I'd love to hear what you thought of things. Any highlights or builders you'd like to see again?

Beauty and the Beast

My documentation seems to be getting more and more scattered these days. I have random thoughts and some how lose them before I have the opportunity to write anything out. I find that once I'm focused on one aspect of life, it's difficult to get myself focused on another again. It is beyond frustrating. As I was riding along one of our many trails this morning, I suddenly realized how alone I was. Normally, our multi-use paths and trails are filled with people walking, running, biking or skating, and it felt a bit strange to suddenly comprehend that I hadn't passed or been passed by anyone. Sure, it's February, and the colder temperatures probably aren't helping anyone stick to their outdoor routines (though it has been incredibly warm for this time of year), but normally I see at least a lone individual out walking his/her dog.

It really is a beautiful season, despite what I often tell myself. I get caught up in the idea that everything is dead right now, and I grow weary of seeing all the dry trees without leaves, and the remnants of de-icer on the roads. My mind wanders into thoughts about the chemicals laid down after each snow and how they are probably destroying my bike tires, and before I know it I've ruined a perfectly lovely ride.

This morning, however, I allowed myself to appreciate what was around me and decided to take a longer route in to my morning kickboxing class. I seem to be battling a lot of demons these days and no matter how hard I try to work through them, to get them out and dealt with, the big ones seem to pop their heads up on a rather routine basis. Riding is simply one of the few times I feel as though I can let everything go. It doesn't matter how fast or slow I am, it doesn't matter if I pass anyone who might think I'm crazy, because the reality is even if they do see me talking to myself or crying, I'll be gone and over the next ridge before they give it a second thought. My two wheels really are the best kind of therapy - and it doesn't cost me a cent (sans the occasional flat tire or minor malfunction).

Today, my thoughts took me into some of the darkest places of my mind. I want to believe that I am changing and growing, but when the tangible results aren't visible, it's a lot easier to beat myself up than it is to be kind. Being nice to myself isn't necessarily a strong suit anyway. I often don't feel I deserve to show any sort of mercy with self-related matters. After all, what have I done to deserve any kindness? In a few days, I will have reached what I never wanted to get to - my four-month-iversary with this damn weight loss plateau. I can appreciate those who try to encourage me by saying that at least I'm maintaining the losses  accomplished before this all started (believe me, I do appreciate this), but at the same time, I am not a tiny person and I do my best to work hard every day to see changes in this body. I don't mean that I go on leisurely strolls with my dog or count folding laundry or doing dishes as a work out. I mean the kind of sweating that has me coming home questioning whether I can possibly do it again the next day (or sometimes, later in the same day). It feels so incredibly wrong, defeating, maddening, and many other adjectives I could come up with to not have physical validation that my efforts aren't in vain. Sure, I'm not working out six hours a day like some of the contestants on reality television shows, but I'm also not expecting to drop 10 lbs a week. How about a pound a week? That doesn't seem unreasonable. At this point, how about a pound a month? Anything would be more acceptable than what has happened. I find I want to push myself even harder, attempting to force results that simply do not want to materialize. I literally fight with whatever this "thing" is inside of me - sometimes out loud - telling it things like, "You think you're starving? I'll show you starving!" or "You think you've been working hard? You haven't seen anything yet!" believing that I can somehow manipulate the "beast" into cooperating.

So, this morning I decided to appreciate the slowly melting river and the few ducks that were swimming by. I took the time to embrace the fact that I had solitude on my ride and that in just a few months, that same path will be full of individuals out for their morning run, or racing to get the dog out before they head to work. I relished the idea of being able to swerve back and forth on the path, knowing that someone wasn't going to come racing around a blind corner (don't worry, I was paying attention - just in case). In short, I enjoyed the cold and the ride. I let myself laugh, cry, argue with the demons and the beast inside, and have a much needed therapy session, and I'll do the same as many winter days as possible.